“Biden nominee Julie Su wants to turn the lights out,” states a billboard in West Virginia. In Montana, Su, U.S. President Joe Biden’s nomination for labor secretary will make the state into California. In Arizona, “Su’s job might be wrecking your gig.”
As her confirmation hearing approaches on April 20, these states will see increased print and internet ads. The White House and administration have touted Su’s history of advocating for underpaid employees, while industry organizations opposing her proposals have begun to oppose her aggressively.
Su, a civil rights lawyer, former California labor commissioner, director of the state’s enormous labor department, and child of Chinese immigrants, requires at least 50 Senate votes in a 51-49 Democratic majority.
Reuters reported that numerous industry officials believe Su will struggle to be confirmed.
Industry groups campaign in Montana, Arizona, and West Virginia because they worry Su would push national policies like those she oversaw in California, where she supported laws like the one that classified some gig workers as employees, which some businesses say hurt their ability to use freelancers.
“Currently working with a broad coalition of supporters on Julie’s nomination, including elected officials, labor leaders, critical stakeholders, and business organizations,” said White House spokesman Emilie Simons.
Simons said the White House has gotten “outspoken support for her nomination since the announcement.”
“Stand Against Su,” a coalition of lobby groups representing companies, freelancers, and franchisees created to oppose her candidacy, is “trying to get senators from across the aisle and from every area realize what’s at risk here,” according to Rachel Tripp.
In 2021, Montana, West Virginia, and Arizona senators approved for Su to become deputy Labor Secretary. Two Democrats and one Democrat-turned-independent senator face reelection in 2024.
Even with Democratic control of Congress, their unwillingness to endorse a woman they previously confirmed shows Biden’s drive to rein in corporate power and raise worker salaries faces fierce opposition.
After industry resistance and Democratic defections, Biden’s candidate for the Office of Comptroller of the Currency, who supported stronger bank regulation, withdrew in 2021.
His spokeswoman claimed Montana Senator John Tester scrutinizes Su’s record, while West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin is unsure. Kirsten Sinema’s aide is never pre-votes.
Billboards, newspapers, and internet ads are everywhere. As a result, business groups have requested a record review from Biden and Congress.
“We’re not willing to see California’s failings spread to other states, especially with somebody at the head who was the top enforcer of such regulations in California,” said Karen Anderson, creator of Freelancers Against AB5, a state bill Su championed that grants gig workers job status.
The law’s economic impact on employees and corporations is unclear due to litigation.
“Lawmakers recognize we need a labor secretary that embraces the potential that technology has unleashed for workers,” said Kristin Sharp, CEO of the Flex Association, which represents ridesharing and delivery businesses like Uber (UBER.N) and Lyft (LYFT.O) and opposes Su’s nomination.
According to reports, the Biden administration expects a difficult confirmation process. Union sources stated the AFL-CIO and SEIU are planning to protect Su.
The AFL-CIO will encourage Montana, West Virginia, Arizona, and Maine members to contact their state legislators to support Su. In addition, unions will target Maine senators Angus King and Susan Collins.
2021 King ratified Su. Senator Susan Collins’ spokeswoman indicated she opposes Su’s candidacy. All Republicans voted against Su’s deputy secretary candidacy in 2021.
“We understood from the start that corporate special interests would launch a very vigorous campaign against Hillary,” said AFL-CIO Deputy Director of Public Affairs for Political and Organizing Steve Smith.
“She’s such a great champion for employees and they know it,” Smith added.
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